Your Gel Manicure Won't Cause Cancer

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A couple months ago, we jumped for joy when researchers determined that the UV lamps used to dry your polish in nail salons would not cause skin cancer.

However, The New York Post reports that the "lengthy" UV rays we're subjected to during gel manis can indeed up our risk of skin cancer. This is because when you get these manicures, your hand is in and out of the UV lamp. Officially confused, we spoke to some experts.

David Valia, Vice President of Research and Development for Creative Nail Design, says you have nothing to worry about: "The amount of energy from a UV lamp during a nail service would be roughly equivalent to the amount of UV exposure one would experience during a typical day of exposure in indoor fluorescent lighting."

Dermatologist Marina I. Peredo, M.D., and founder of Spatique Medical Spa, agrees that no immediate harm can be done from getting manicures, but she thinks you should still take precaution: "The threat may be minimal, but exposure is exposure. If you're going to be using one of these systems, use sunblock of at least 30 SPF on your hands."

In case you want the official stamp of approval: The Professional Beauty Association says, "Gels have been used safely for decades. The latest generation of gels is safer and better than ever. Independent studies have shown that UV lamps are safe and the equivalent of only a couple of minutes exposure to sunlight."

Boom.

You see, UV nail lamps only produce about 60 watts of power. And receiving a manicure every two weeks is the same as being in the sun for two minutes. So now that you have confirmation that your gel mani will not cause cancer, slap some sunscreen on your hands and go pamper yourself, girl.